LI Reacts To The Death Of Pope Francis

LONG ISLAND, NY — Tributes to Pope Francis, who died Monday at age 88, poured in from across Long Island and beyond.

"I join Catholics around the world in mourning the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis," New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "Pope Francis embodied the values Christ taught us every day: helping the less fortunate, calling for peace and ensuring every person is treated as a child of God. He led with compassion, humility and inclusivity, emphasizing that God does not disown any of his children. He reminded us of our collective responsibility to protect this beautiful planet, our shared home. And he was a man of peace, and a fighter for social and economic justice."

Hochul added: “Last year, I was honored to be invited to the Vatican to deliver remarks at a Pontifical Summit to discuss climate change. His Holiness delivered a remarkable address, calling on the world to save our planet and take care of the most vulnerable in our society. He then spoke individually to each of the leaders assembled, and blessed Bill and I on the occasion of our 40th wedding anniversary. It is a moment I will never forget. We should all strive to carry on his legacy. May His Holiness rest in peace.”

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital this February for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

The pope emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise Popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause as he continued his recovery from a near-fatal bout of double pneumonia.

“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” Francis said, his voice sounding stronger than it has since he was released from the hospital on March 23.

History’s first Latin American pontiff and also the first Jesuit elected to head the Roman Catholic Church, Francis charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, the marginalized and migrants but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.

The Holy Father named himself after St. Francis of Assisi in deference to the saint’s humility and commitment to the poor and his message of peace. He lived in a simple two-room suite at the Vatican guesthouse rather than the more luxurious Apostolic Palace.

The news rocked Long Island: "Pope Francis led with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized. As the world — and 1.4 billion Catholics — mourn his passing, my prayers are with the Catholic community here on Long Island, across our country, and around the world who found strength in his message of mercy and hope," said Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY 1) . "His decision to take the name Francis — after St. Francis of Assisi —s poke volumes about the kind of servant leader he would become. As a proud graduate of St. Anthony’s High School, led by the Brothers of the Order of Saint Francis, I’ve long admired the values of simplicity, service, and peace that the Franciscan tradition represents."

Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY 4) reflected: "The world has lost a great leader and source of inspiration with the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, whose life truly embodied compassion, wisdom, and a love for all people. A proud Jesuit, he dedicated his life to faith, education, and caring for our planet. As Pope, he sought to make the Catholic Church more inviting and open to reflection. I join with the millions around the world who are mourning this tremendous loss. May this holy man rest in peace."

And, said Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY 3): "Thank God for Pope Francis. He always reminded us that the poor, the homeless, and migrants are all made in God’s image, that the earth is part of God’s divine creation, and that the modern problems of income inequality, and the dangerous and unequal spread of technology are further dividing and distracting us from our obligation to serve the common good. We can be better. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant. Ad maiorem Dei gloriam – For the greater glory of God."

"What can I say? This is a sad day for everybody," said Rev. Kris Drybka of St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead. "We all loved him. He was a good man. He tried a lot to unite the people of the world."

"What a terrible loss for all mankind!" Eileen Kapell of Greenport wrote on social media.

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has offered prayers and condolences for Francis to his spiritual brothers, sisters and followers around the world.

He said in a letter that Francis had dedicated himself to the service of others, “consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”

The first formal liturgical ritual for Francis will occur at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT) on Monday with the confirmation of the pope's death and the placement of the body in the coffin.

The Vatican released the announcement from Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of liturgical ceremonies. The presiding prelate is Cardinal Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo who has taken over the administration of the Holy See and will remain in charge until a new pope is elected.

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Those invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where Francis lived, are the dean of the College of Cardinals, any relatives of the pope, the director and vice director of the Vatican's health department.

The body rests in the pope's personal chapel for the ritual pronouncement of death, presided over by the camerlengo, the Vatican official who runs the Holy See administration between the death or resignation of one pope and the election of another.

For the public, the cardinal archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, is expected to lead a recitation of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter's Square later Monday.

According to the new rites and rituals Francis approved last year, the body will remain in the chapel for a few days before being brought for public viewing in St. Peter's Basilica. After that there will be the funeral and conclave to elect a new pope.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.